Audiology

Audiology deals with identifying and evaluating hearing disorders associated with adults, children, or infants. The Audiology Department at Max Healthcare offers diagnostic evaluations to people having hearing difficulties.

Audiology combines medical science with the best available technology to develop concrete solutions to hearing or balance disorders. People who practice audiology are called audiologists, and Audiologists are accountable for managing and recuperation disorders linked to hearing and balance.

At Max Hospitals, audiologists work with speech and language therapists and ENT doctors to provide comprehensive services for people with hearing disorders. 

Our team of experienced and qualified Audiologists undertakes hearing tests like Newborn screening, PTA, Impedance, BERA, etc. We have experience with hearing aids, starting from the standard to the most advanced options. Our experts provide solutions for all lifestyle needs, such as swimming earplugs, noise muffs/plugs, etc.

Diagnostic Tests

• Pure Tone Audiometry- PTA is used to detect the minimum sound level that the patient can hear. This helps to diagnose the degree and type of hearing loss.
  
• Tympanometry test- It is a quick test that helps analyze the functionality of the middle ear by testing the extent of movement of the eardrum. 
  
• Speech tests- This test helps detect if the patient can understand what is being said because understanding is more complicated than just noticing the sound presence. The patient is given headphones and asked to repeat what is being said.
  
• Auditory Brainstem Response test (ABR) and Auditory Steady-State Response (ASSR)- It analyzes the functionality of the inner ear and the response of brain pathways. Sound is presented through earphones recorded with recording pads placed on the head.
  
• Vestibular tests- The ear plays a role in maintaining balance and posture. Vestibular tests are done for patients with symptoms like dizziness and imbalance.

Hearing Rehabilitation Services

1. Hearing aids- These devices amplify the sound, thus making it louder. 
2. Cochlear Implant: A cochlear implant is an electronic device that replicates the function of damaged parts of the inner ear (cochlea) and sends sound signals to the brain. Cochlear implants do not amplify the sound but rather help bypass the damaged part of the ear. A cochlear implant helps those who:
   

• • Have hearing loss in both ears (moderate or profound)
  • Have not received any benefit from hearing aids
  • In many cases, a Cochlear implant surgery is done in both ears. This improves the patient’s ability to identify the direction of the sound.

The Benefits of a Cochlear Implant

• Works better than hearing aids
• Increases the sentence understanding to 80%
• Helps the patient focus better in a noisy environment
• Allows the patient to enjoy music, talk, and hear on the phone
• Makes it easier for them to communicate and converse with people in crowded places
• Feel safer

Over the last few decades, the technology available has improved; thus, the solutions are being offered by audiologists as well. The new gadgets make diagnosis more straightforward and more accurate. Furthermore, they also allow easier screening for hearing loss in newborn babies. This technological revolution enables the treatment of hearing loss in early infancy and will allow doctors to fit hearing aids within weeks of birth.